Sailing into Paradise: 4 Days from Lombok to Flores over Komodo Islands
If you're looking for the ultimate island-hopping adventure in Indonesia, look no further. Sailing from Lombok to Flores is a rite of passage for travelers. It’s 4 days of turquoise water, hidden waterfalls, and of course, the legendary Komodo Dragons.
 |
| Padar Island |
I chose to sail with KareemTheExplorer, and it was easily the highlight of my time in Indonesia. I was swimming with Whale Sharks, Manta Rays, saw the Pink Beach and had such a fun time on the boat with our travel group.
This wasn’t just the best highlight of my Indonesia Travel, it is also one of my all time favourite adventures you can do!
 |
| Swimming with a Whale Shark |
1. Best Time to Travel to Komodo
The sailing conditions between Lombok and Flores depend heavily on the Indonesian seasons:
- Dry Season (April to October):
The absolute best time to go. The seas are calm, the weather is sunny, and the underwater visibility for snorkeling is at its peak. Note: The islands look "golden/brown" during this time.
- Shoulder Season (April & November):
A great time to visit if you want to see the islands looking lush and green before they dry out.
- Wet Season (December to March):
Use caution. Many boats stop running in January and February due to high waves and monsoon winds. Always check the weather forecast before booking during these months.I did the tour in March and we had really perfect conditions.
 |
| Kenawa Island |
2. How to Get There (Starting in Lombok)
The tour usually departs from Lombok and ends in Labuan Bajo (Flores). Most travellers arrive in Lombok via a short flight from Bali or a fast boat from the Gili Islands.
The Meeting Point:
KareemTheExplorer typically organizes a pickup or a meeting point in Senggigi or Bangsal Harbor. From there, you’ll be transported to the east of Lombok where the big sailing boat awaits.
We were flying from Bali to Lombok and then had one night in Lombok before we met the group at Bangsal Harbour. Flights are normally pretty cheap around $100 from Bali to Lombok.
 |
| Our boat in front of Kenawa Island |
3. The Tour: 4 Days & 3 Nights at Sea
Life on a boat is simple: wake up with the sun, swim, eat, and repeat. Here is the typical itinerary for the crossing:
Day 1: Lombok & Kenawa Island
After departing, you'll head to Kenawa Island. It’s a tiny, uninhabited island with a small hill that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding reefs. It’s the perfect spot for your first sunset and a great introduction to the "boat life."
 |
| Hiking to the Top for Sunset |
Day 2: Whale Sharks & Waterfalls
This is a big highlight! You'll head to Saleh Bay for a chance to swim with massive, gentle whale sharks. Afterward, the boat usually stops at Moyo Island, where you can hike to a hidden jungle waterfall for a freshwater swim.
 |
| Swimming with the Wahle Sharks |
Day 3: Komodo National Park & Pink Beach
Today you enter the National Park. You’ll hike Padar Island for that iconic three-bay view (one of the most famous photo spots in Indo). Later, you’ll relax on the stunning Pink Beach and snorkel with turtles at Manta Point.
 |
| Komodo Dragon Eye to Eye |
Day 4: Komodo Dragons & Labuan Bajo
The final day is all about the dragons. You’ll visit Komodo Island or Rinca Island with a local ranger to see the world's largest lizards in their natural habitat. The tour ends in the afternoon at the harbor of Labuan Bajo.
Labuan Bajo was surprisingly so beautiful, I never heard about it before. So if I would go again I would definitely plan more time there.
 |
| Labuan Bajo |
4. Where to Book the Tour
While many agencies sell this trip, booking with the right boat is crucial for safety and comfort.
KareemTheExplorer: I highly recommend booking directly through them. They are known for a really authentic and raw experience, great food (plenty of it!), and a crew that really cares about safety. You can reach out via their Instagram or official website.
Local Offices: You will see dozens of people in the Gilis or Kuta Lombok selling "Cheap Komodo Trips." Be careful—some of these boats are overcrowded or lack proper safety equipment. It’s worth paying a bit more for a reputable operator like Kareem.
The Tour with KareemTheExplorer was amazing. Don't expect any luxury tho. You can sleep in like a dorm with many people or have a private basic cabin.
The deck cabin is currently around $205 and the private cabin is around $235. We took a private cabin and it was a great experience. (This is no advertising, I just recommend it because I had an amazing experience).
 |
| Our Boat |
5. Final Thoughts
Spending 4 days on a boat with 20+ strangers might sound intense, but you’ll leave with one of the best experiences of your life.
Essential Tip: Bring seasickness tablets (just in case), plenty of sunscreen, and a dry bag for your electronics. There is very little phone signal once you leave Lombok, so prepare to be truly "unplugged."
 |
| Pink Beach |
Again this was hands down one of my favourite all time experiences and adventure of my life. Swimming with whale sharks, standing eye to eye with a komodo dragon and experiencing the boat life and nature in Indonesia was so incredible!
Comments
Post a Comment